Students' union launches new writing award on mental health
The National Union of Students
(NUS) has announced an innovative award to be given for the
positive portrayal of people with
mental health problems.
One in four people will be
affected by mental health problems during the course of a year,
yet discrimination is still rife,
particularly in the media where
negative stereotypes and
derogatory language are often
used. "Tomorrow's Minds"
research conducted by Opinion
Leader Research showed that
among young people aged 16 to
24 years, 61% used the words
"psycho," "schizo," "nutter," and
"loony" while at the same timeconsidering racist language to
be taboo. In addition, 80%
believed that having a mental
health problem could lead to
discrimination and 55% would
not want anyone to know if they
had a mental health disorder.
In commenting on who they
believed to be the major perpetrators of mental health discrimination, 62% identified the
media, 65% people their own
age, and 68% identified employers. The study used qualitative
and quantitative methods and
involved 500 young people
throughout the United Kingdom.
DARLAINE HONEY/TREVILLION
The NUS is presenting the award to help challenge these
discriminatory attitudes and
stereotypes. The award is sponsored by "Mind Out For Mental
Health," an antidiscrimination
campaign coordinated by the
Department of Health and of
which the NUS is an active
member.
The judges will be looking
for representations of people
with mental health problems
which also see them as rounded
people with personalities and
not just a set of symptoms;
writing that challenges and
helps dispel the stigma and
discrimination which many
people with mental health problems experience; and articles
that use appropriate language to
describe mental health problems. Articles can be written by
more than one person.
Rachel Cashman, a spokeswoman for the NUS, said, "The
award links welfare issues and
student media in a positive representation for people with
mental health problems."
The award will be presented at the
2001 student journalism awards
in October in association with
the Independent newspaper. For
entry forms call Karen Dunphie
on 020 7561 6504, or email
karen@nus.org.uk. The closing date
for entries is 31 August.
Rhona MacDonald, studentBMJ
studentBMJ 2001;09:129-170 May ISSN 0966-6494
